Report: Continued brain drain will pose a threat to Israel's existence as an independent and developed state

Researchers at Tel Aviv University warn that the continued brain drain from Israel poses a threat to its existence as an independent and developed state, noting that emigration is prominent among holders of advanced degrees in engineering, computer science, and medicine, and that the number of returnees in 2023-2024 was the lowest since 2009.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University warn that the continued brain drain from Israel poses a threat to its existence as an independent and developed state. A forthcoming report indicates that emigration is prominent among holders of bachelor's and advanced degrees in engineering, computer science, sciences, and medicine. The Marker newspaper quoted the researchers as saying that the continuation of this trend could lead to a dangerous decline in the stock of skilled human capital, the primary resource of the Israeli economy. The report warns that additional negative shocks could increase the number of emigrants, and that each additional emigrant reinforces emigration incentives for others through the expansion of migrant networks, with severe consequences for the economy, social cohesion, and public services. The report notes that the number of Israelis who returned in 2023-2024 was the lowest since 2009, and that the negative migration balance was the worst since that year, not accounting for new immigrants who later left.

Report: Continued brain drain will pose a threat to Israel's existence as an independent and developed state